Design and Evaluation of a Sustainable Supplier Selection Framework

Thesis Abstract

In the contemporary supply chain environment, organizations face increasing pressure to incorporate sustainability principles into their procurement practices, particularly in supplier selection processes, to foster environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Despite the recognition of sustainability as a critical factor, existing supplier selection frameworks predominantly emphasize cost, quality, and delivery performance, often neglecting comprehensive sustainability metrics, which results in suboptimal integration of sustainable practices. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate a sustainable supplier selection framework that effectively balances traditional procurement criteria with environmental, social, and economic sustainability indicators, thereby advancing sustainable supply chain management. The primary objectives of this research are to (1) review and identify relevant sustainability dimensions applicable to supplier evaluation; (2) develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework integrated with sustainability metrics, leveraging analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy logic to accommodate qualitative and quantitative data; (3) empirically test the framework within the manufacturing sector by assessing supplier performance based on a sample of 85 suppliers selected through stratified random sampling from a population of 250 suppliers; and (4) evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed framework in enhancing sustainable procurement outcomes relative to conventional methods. Employing a mixed-methodology research design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure robustness and validity. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires adapted from existing validated scales for sustainability criteria, semi-structured interviews with procurement managers to contextualize framework development, and secondary data obtained from supplier performance reports. Validity and reliability of instruments are assured through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha (ranging from 0.78 to 0.87), and expert validation. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by conjoint analysis and weighted scoring methods to determine the priority ranking of sustainability criteria. The framework’s overall performance and sensitivity analysis are conducted via the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), while qualitative data from interviews are subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software to extract contextual insights and triangulate findings. The study anticipates revealing that integrating sustainability metrics significantly alters supplier rankings, emphasizing environmental and social dimensions alongside traditional economic considerations. It is expected that the proposed framework will demonstrate higher supplier performance consistency with sustainability objectives, compared to conventional evaluation methods, as evidenced through comparative analysis. Key findings are anticipated to illustrate the critical trade-offs and synergies among sustainability criteria, providing practical guidance for procurement professionals. This research contributes to knowledge by operationalizing a comprehensive, context-sensitive supplier selection model rooted in multidimensional sustainability theory and decision-making frameworks, including the Triple Bottom Line and Stakeholder Theory. It bridges the gap between theoretical sustainability constructs and practical procurement decision tools, informing policymakers and supply chain practitioners about effective integration strategies. Conclusively, the study emphasizes that adopting a structured, sustainability-integrated supplier selection framework enhances procurement transparency, stakeholder engagement, and corporate environmental and social impacts. Recommendations include developing organizational policies that embed sustainability metrics into standard procurement procedures, capacity-building programs for procurement teams, and further empirical studies to adapt the framework across diverse industry contexts. This research thereby advances the sustainable procurement discourse and provides actionable tools for organizations committed to responsible supply chain management.